View photos as in Windows 7. Opening through alternative programs

The developers of Windows 10, for some reason known to them, decided to abandon the image viewer that has been familiar since the days of Windows 7 - Windows Photo Viewer, in favor of the Modern application Photos. The old photo viewing application is associated only with *.tif and *.tiff file extensions and there is no way to assign it to open other types of image files.

Despite the fact that the modern Photos application has much more functionality (filters, image processing, visual effects are available), the old Windows Photo Viewer works much faster and is simply more convenient. In this article we will figure out How to restore the old photo viewer app in Windows 10.

So, as we have already said, in Windows 10 you cannot assign Windows Photo Viewer as a program for opening graphic files, in particular:

Windows 10 developers have cleared out as much as possible all registry keys associated with the functionality of Windows Photo Viewer, although the utility itself remains in place in the system and is located in the directory C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Photo Viewer\.

Note. If you upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, Windows Photo Viewer will be available for selection in the Open With context menu and file associations in Control Panel because the necessary registry keys will not be deleted during the upgrade. Thus, everything discussed below applies to systems on which Windows 10 was installed “from scratch”

You can force the Photo Viewer in Windows 10 to launch in a specific folder using the command:

rundll32 "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Photo Viewer\PhotoViewer.dll", ImageView_Fullscreen C:\FOTO

To restore the ability to set Windows Photo Viewer as the default application in Control Panel for the current user, import the following registry file:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

@="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff"

@="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff"

@="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff"

@="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff"

@="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff"

@="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff"

The following reg file with registry data is more universal and applies to all users of the system by creating file associations at the application level. File associations with Windows Photo Viewer are created in the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Photo Viewer\Capabilities\FileAssociations
Additionally, this registry tweak returns the ability to select Windows Photo Viewer to the Open With image context menu.

Ready reg file for making the necessary changes:

Thus, Windows Photo Viewer can again be used to open most types of images.

Note. If you are using Windows 10 inside a virtual machine (VirtualBox, VMWare) without hardware acceleration, then Windows Photo Viewer, which depends on Direct3D acceleration, will not work.

Have you opened the images on your PC? For this you need a special viewer program. What software should I use to make my work convenient? Is it possible to get by with standard Windows tools? Let's look at the best photo viewer for Windows 10.

It turns out that the latest versions of Windows have a Photos app. It opens photos, creates albums, edits pictures.
Older versions of the OS used the Image Viewer app. Install it in addition to the existing Photos utility. Let's look at how to activate a classic application.

How to enable the standard photo viewer in Windows 10

This is done in two ways:

1. Using "Registry Editor";
2. Alternative way.

Method No. 1

In Windows 10, the standard photo viewer is activated using registry settings. Press “Win ​​+ R”, then enter the command “regedit”.

Find the _LOCAL-MACHINE branch. Further, as in the screenshot.

Here are the formats that will open by default. For me it is “TIF” and “TIFF”. How can I add other extensions so that all graphic formats open by default?
Right-click on an empty space in the right window, create a string parameter.

Next we write the name and value. As in the screenshot.

We perform similar actions for other formats.

Another way

If you are not very versed in OS settings, use the WinAero Tweaker application. Download the archive at: https://winaero.com/request.php?1796. Installation is simple and will not cause any difficulties even for novice users.
After opening, on the left we find the item “Classic Apps”. Select “Photo Viewer”, click “Activate”.

The result will be the same as in the method discussed above.

Free photo viewer for Windows 10

In addition to Microsoft developments, use third-party software. Let's look at the TOP 5 best free applications. Use them as an alternative to the standard viewer. In addition to viewing, they have functions: rotation, red-eye removal, resizing, converting, printing.

FastStone

Free program with a clear interface. The developers have added built-in tools that allow you to: remove red eyes, edit size and color, convert files.

The developers suggest using the regular or portable (no installation required) version. Program characteristics:

1. View photos;
2. Digital photo editing;
3. Batch processing;
4. Slideshow creation;

XnView

Use XnView for free for non-commercial use. Supports 500 formats, allows you to convert files. Allows you to watch videos and listen to music. The interface is simple. There are many built-in tools.
Peculiarities:

1. Supports 500 formats;
2. Built-in editing functions;
3. Using filters and effects;
4. Screen capture function;
5. Convert file to 70 different formats;
6. Working with plugins.

IrfanView

Fast photo viewer for Windows 10. Consumes minimal OS resources. The developers suggest installing the regular or portable version.

For Russification, install additional languages. Go to: http://www.irfanview.net/lang/irfanview_lang_russian.exe to download the installer. Next, run it and select the program folder during installation. Then the installer will do everything himself.

The Russified version will launch.
What the program can do:

1. Play video and audio;
2. Working with text formats;
3. Batch renaming of files;
4. Sideshow creation;
5. Working with plugins to help expand functionality.

Ashampoo Photo

This handy Windows 10 photo viewer allows you to view, edit and convert files.

In the free version, in order to use the program without restrictions, enter your email address when you first start it. To confirm your registration, follow the link that will be sent to your email.

Peculiarities:

1. View photos in archives;
2. Slideshow mode;
3. Bookmarks for photos;
4. GPS support in the photo.

Conclusion

The TOP 5 viewers reviewed are the best programs in this class. Which one to work with depends on your personal preferences. Use the software described above if the standard photo viewer in Windows 10 does not suit you.

In Windows 10, you use the Photos app to view your images rather than Windows Photo Viewer. After clicking on the pictures, photos saved in popular formats will be opened in the Photos application.

Probably, many will use this application on their computers; others liked the Windows photo viewer more. The most interesting thing is that the old Windows photo viewer in Windows 10 has not gone away, it remains in the operating system. By default, Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 10 opens files in the "TIF" and "TIFF" formats.

Therefore, you can restore “Windows Photo Viewer” in the Windows 10 operating system in order to open graphic files of popular formats using this viewer. The implementation of returning the Windows photo viewer to your computer will differ depending on how the Windows 10 operating system appeared on your computer: by updating from a previous version of the operating system, or with a new “clean” installation of Windows 10.

How to restore Windows Photo Viewing when upgrading to Windows 10

If your computer has the Windows 10 operating system after upgrading from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, then there will be no problems using the old photo viewer. In this case, Windows Photo Viewer is present in the GUI of the operating system.

To select the photo viewer as an application to open a file of a supported image format (.bmp, .dib, .jpe, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .jfif, .jpeg, .jxr, .png, .wdp), right-click click on the image, and then from the “Open with” context menu, select the “Select another application” context menu item from the list of available applications.

After this, the “How do you want to open this file?” window will open. Under Other Options, among the list of apps, you'll see Windows Photo Viewer. Select the Windows Image Viewer, then check the box next to “Always use this application to open (.file extension) files”, and then click on the “OK” button.

After this, files of this graphic format will be opened by default using the Windows Photo Viewer application.

How to bring back the photo viewer in Windows 10

On a clean installation of Windows 10, Windows Photo Viewer will not be present in the operating system's GUI, so it won't be selectable to open certain file types.

In this case, the problem with the old Windows viewer can be solved in several ways, in which the ability to select an application for the appropriate file types will be restored. This is done by making changes to the Windows 10 registry.

Before making changes to the Windows registry, or before making any other major changes to your computer, be sure to create a system restore point. In this case, if problems arise, you can return Windows 10 to the working state that was on your computer before making changes.

Download a file to your computer that contains the application of changes to the operating system registry to add missing values.

restore windows photoviewer reg download

Then run this file on your computer. To do this, double-click on the registry file (extension .reg) with the left mouse button, or after clicking with the right mouse button, select “Merge” in the context menu.

After applying the changes to the registry, Windows Photo Viewer will be available on your computer in the Open With context menu to select a program for opening photos saved in a specific format.

This will open the Select an app window, where you will see Windows Photo Viewer among other apps. Next, click on the application to match it with supported file formats.

You can do all this yourself manually by adding file type parameters to the registry branch:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows Photo Viewer/Capabilities/FileAssociations

I will not describe this method, since all this can be easily done using a ready-made registry file.

Bringing Back the Photo Viewer with Winaero Tweaker

You can restore Viewing Windows photos in Windows 10 using the free Winaero Tweaker program. The program does not require installation on your computer; the application is launched from a folder.

Winaero Tweaker download

After launching the Winaero Tweaker program on your computer, on the right side of the program window, find the “Activate Windows Photo Viewer” item. First, highlight this item, and then on the left side of the utility window, click on “Activate Windows Photo Viewer” to restore the functionality of the Windows Photo Viewer application in Windows 10.

The "Choose Default Programs" window will then open, in which you will need to highlight "Windows Viewer" and then click on "Set this program as default" to open all supported file types, or "Choose defaults for this program" to open specific file types of your choice.

After installing the “big” Windows 10 update, the image viewer will disappear from the operating system again. To use the application on your PC again, reinstall Windows Picture Viewer on your computer.

Conclusions of the article

You can restore the full functioning of the Windows Photo Viewer application on your computer in the Windows 10 operating system, to open images of supported graphic formats with it, if you are somehow not satisfied with the standard Photos application.

You won’t surprise anyone with photographs and pictures on your computer for a long time. However, such a seemingly ordinary thing as a photo cannot be opened without a viewer. But the problem will disappear by itself if you know what to look for.

Windows Photo Viewer

This is a standard Windows 7 program that is installed along with the operating system. Besides, this is the simplest one you can find. Its functionality is minimal:

• viewing images of all formats;
• automatic display of photos as a slide show;
• increase and decrease;
• Rotate the photo 360 degrees.

He is not capable of anything else. Although why do you need more if its only function is viewing pictures. And he copes with it perfectly. It is also worth noting that this Windows 7 image viewer, due to its simplicity, consumes a minimal amount of RAM, so it starts quickly and works like a clock.

Paint

The well-known standard drawing program for PC. Most often, this is where children begin their acquaintance with computers. However, it is also a good Windows image viewer for almost all common formats.

In addition to multiple drawing features, it has a very useful function of rotating and reflecting the image horizontally and diagonally. In addition, it can be used to save a graphic element in a different format.

Free

- FastStone Image Viewer. A very common image viewer, it has an intuitive interface and is easy to use. Everything is visible, almost all tool buttons are clear at first glance, the folder tree will help you find photos without leaving the program, thumbnails of pictures are shown.

In addition, the utility is notable for its great functionality for editing and minor processing of photos, as well as the ability to view them in full screen mode. In the same mode, you can edit using the pop-up toolbar.

A distinctive feature of the program is the function of collective file renaming, it is called “Batch conversion\renaming”. For more convenient viewing, you can create a slide show with quite interesting settings (display in random order, use of effects and music, compress photos, etc.).

- Picasa. Also a very famous image viewer. It has a design that is both simple and sophisticated. When you open a picture, the editing panel immediately opens using filters (auto-light correction, retouching, removing red eyes, etc.). You can also experiment with colors, brightness, and contrast.

As in the previous program, there is a function for creating slide shows with the addition of various effects, transitions and music. However, this is not the main feature of Picasa. It is famous for its ability to find a specific person in a photo or group photos with a certain personality.

An excellent utility for viewing graphic files. Has a stylish modern design. Supports many well-known and not so well-known image formats. It can be controlled using hot keys, and it is also possible to write a caption for a photo. In addition, with its help, any picture can easily become wallpaper on your desktop.

This utility does not contain any serious editing functions. However, it is somewhat different from its relatives in that it does not need to be installed and is not case sensitive. Therefore, you can safely carry it on a flash drive and use it to view various kinds of images.

Microsoft Office program

The world-famous Microsoft Office software package is installed on almost every computer. It includes a large number of office utilities, including an image viewer. It's called Microsoft Office Picture Manager.

Its functionality is small, but it is enough for viewing photos and editing them a little. With it you can:

• flip or rotate the image;
• crop or change resolution;
• adjust color, brightness and contrast;
• remove red eye, etc.

This utility is capable of opening graphic elements in many formats. The only caveat is that the license for the software package from Microsoft is paid, and does not cost that little. But you can find a hacked office on torrents (however, this is highly undesirable, since using pirated programs can result in a hefty fine).

Which one is better to choose?

Of course, it is impossible to definitely say which is the best image viewer. It all depends on the user’s preferences, what functions he wants to see and what to do with the photo. But we can definitely say that it is useful to have a couple of different programs on your computer. For example, you can use a standard utility for simple viewing and Paint for minimal editing and resaving, and additionally install FastStone Image Viewer for advanced actions with graphic files.

While testing the new features of Windows 10, many users discovered a small but annoying problem. It turns out that viewing popular image formats was only possible in the Photos app, whereas in Windows 8.1 users could choose between Photos and Photo Viewer. It was this second application that seemed much more convenient to many. Windows 10 has it, but it only allows you to open images in TIF and TIFF formats.

Unfortunately, you cannot install this program as your main tool for viewing images, since it is simply not available in the “Default Applications” subsection. The same applies to the “Open with” context menu dialog. If you open it, you will find only “Photos” and “Paint” there. The standard Program Comparison tool will not help you either, since the Windows Photo Viewer will again only have two formats available: TIF and TIFF.

But no problem. The situation with the missing function can be fixed quite easily by making small changes to the system registry. To do this, open the registry editor and expand the following branch:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows Photo Viewer/Capabilities/FileAssociations

In the last subsection, you will see two parameters with names of exactly the same two formats that were discussed in the previous paragraphs. Immediately create a new parameter of type REG_SZ (regular string) with the name.jpg and the value PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff. Create exactly the same parameters for bmp, dib, jpe, gif, jfif, jpeg, jxr and png formats.

After that, open the Settings app and then go to System -> Default apps -> Set defaults by app.

In the left column of the window that opens, select the “Windows Photo Viewer” application, click “Select defaults for this program”...

...and check the boxes next to the formats you added through the registry.

Save your changes and check the contents of the Open With menu. If you did everything correctly, the “View Windows Photos” option will appear there for files of added formats. This is all. Now you can easily make the program that appears your default image viewing tool.

And further. For those who don't want to mess around with the registry, I can recommend the free WinAero Tweaker utility, but you'll need the latest version. Launch it, scroll through the list of available tweaks to the very end. At the end of the list, you will find an option “Activate Windows Photo Viewer”. Use it, and you will get the same result as manually editing the registry.